Blanket array adhesion system

Abstract

An adhesion system utilizes a pair of liquid suction systems for adhering alanket transducer array to the external hull of a vessel. Both liquid suction systems can be individually controlled. The first suction system produces a low liquid pressure under rigid saucer-like shells and causes these shells to press against the hull surface. The second suction system operates similar to the first and is located in the area surrounding the shells. In operation it is possible to enhance the adhering ability of the system by maintaining a lower pressure in the first system. This is feasible due to the rigidity of the material in the first system.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A blanket transducer array system adapted to be adhered to the external hull of a vessel comprising: a transducer array;   an elastomeric sheet material containing said transducer array;   a first adhering means including a plurality of rigid shells spaced on and fastened to one surface of said elastomeric sheet material for attaching said elastomeric sheet material to the external hull of the vessel;   a first control means connected to said first adhering means for selectively providing a fixed amount of adherence between said shells and hull;   a second adhering means including said surface of said elastomeric sheet material surrounding said shells for attaching said elastomeric sheet material to the external hull of the vessel;   a second control means connected to said second adhering means for selectively providing a fixed amount of adherence between said elastomeric sheet material and the external hull of the vessel;   supply means for supplying fluid to said first and second adhering means and said first and second control means; and   an adhesive elastomer strip located at the perimeter of the elastomeric sheet material for attaching and sealing the perimeter of the elastomeric sheet material to the hull.   
     
     
       2. A system for adhering a blanket transducer array according to claim 1 wherein said supply means further comprises: first and second fluid supplies;   first selecting means for selecting one of said first and second fluid supplies; and   second selecting means having an inlet connected to said first selecting means for receiving the selected one of said first and second fluid supplies and having a pair of outlets for supplying the selected one of said first and second fluid supplies through a selected one of said pair of outlets.   
     
     
       3. A system for adhering a blanket transducer array according to claim 2 wherein said first control means further comprises: input means connected to one of said pair of outlets for supplying the selected one of said first and second fluid supplies to said rigid shells;   output means for removing the selected one of said first and second fluid supplies from said rigid shells; and   pressure control means for controlling the pressure within said shells.   
     
     
       4. A system for adhering a blanket transducer array according to claim 3 wherein said first control means further comprises circulation means for flushing said rigid shells with vortex liquid circulation utilizing the selected one of said first and second fluid supplies. 
     
     
       5. A system for adhering a blanket transducer array according to claim 4 wherein said second control means further comprises: input means connected to one of said pair of outlets for supplying the selected one of said first and second fluid supplies to said area surrounding said rigid shells;   output means for removing the selected one of said first and second fluid supplies from said area surrounding said rigid shells; and   pressure control means for controlling the pressure in said area surrounding said shells.   
     
     
       6. A system for adhering a blanket transducer array according to claim 5 wherein said second control means includes a plurality of spacers between said area surrounding said shells and said hull. 
     
     
       7. A system for adhering a blanket transducer array according to claim 6 wherein said adhesive elastomer strip further comprises: an adhesive inner face suitable for the creation of an adhesive seal with said hull surface; and   configuration means for transmitting part of a differential pressure to said adhesive strip for allowing treated liquid to circulate up to the inner boundary of said adhesive strip and for permitting observation of said strip and said surface under the strip to insure the quality of the seal and the freedom from corrosion and other damage of the hull surface under and adjacent to said seal.